Last Updated on September 10, 2022 by Ossian Muscad
Employers must adhere to many Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to maintain a safe workplace. These standards can be complex and vary depending on the industry, so it is important to have a comprehensive guide like this one.
In this guide, we will provide an overview of OSHA standards as well as specific regulations for various industries. We encourage workers to be active in their safety, so if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us!
What Are OSHA Standards?
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that sets and enforces standards to protect workers from workplace hazards. The OSHA standards are guidelines and requirements enforced by the agency to minimize health and safety risks while promoting worker safety and health.
Brief History of OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was formally established in 1971 as a response to the high number of work-related injuries and illnesses that the United States experienced during the 1960s. During this decade, around 14,000 workers died on the job every year.
This high death toll was because no federal standards were in place to protect workers. In response to this, US Senator Harrison A. Williams, Jr. and House Representative William A. Steiger made strides to mitigate the alarming statistics.
In December 1970, US President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act into law, establishing OSHA. This act was a huge victory for workers’ rights as it ensured that employees would have a safe and healthy working environment.
Since its establishment, OSHA has made many accomplishments in worker safety. For example, OSHA was instrumental in developing the Hazard Communication Standard, which requires employers to provide information about the chemicals they use in the workplace. This standard is important as it ensures that workers are aware of the potential hazards they may be exposed to.
Apart from OSHA, other organizations also develop safety standards. For example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a research agency that recommends safety standards. However, NIOSH does not have the authority to enforce these standards—that’s the role of OSHA.
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) is another organization that plays a role in worker safety. The OSHRC is an independent agency that reviews cases of alleged violations of OSHA standards. Together, these three organizations work to ensure that workers are protected from preventable injuries and illnesses.
OSHA Safety Standards
One thing to remember is that there are different types of OSHA safety standards. There are standards for the general industry, construction, maritime, agriculture, and other industries. to find out the OSHA safety standard for your respective industry, visit OSHA’s official website and find the right resource regarding your industry.
Some of the most common OSHA standards include the following:
- Health Standards: These standards protect workers from exposure to harmful chemicals, noise levels, and other health hazards.
- Safety Standards: These standards protect workers from potential injuries, such as slips, trips, and falls.
- Ergonomic Standards: These standards protect workers from injuries from repetitive motions or poor ergonomics.
- Electrical Standards: These standards protect workers from electrical hazards like shock and arc flash.
- Machine Safety Standards: These standards protect workers from injuries that can occur from the use of machinery.
There are many other OSHA safety standards, and employers must comply with all OSA standards that apply to their field of work. Failure to do so can result in citations and fines from the agency.
Benefits of OSHA Requirements Compliance
OSHA is the official agency that sets and enforces the right safety standards to ensure workers’ safe and healthy working conditions. Adherence to OSHA standards will protect workers from dangerous and life-threatening safety hazards. Here are other benefits that you and your workers will get from complying with OSHA requirements:
Develop and Formulate an Effective H&S Policy
When you develop a health and safety policy for your workplace, it will serve as a guide for your employees on how they should act and behave in the workplace. This will help to create a culture of safety in your workplace. It’s also important that safety managers update these guidelines with the latest information on health and safety compliance.
Enables Frontline Workers to Respond Proactively to Safety Hazards
When workers are properly trained on safety procedures and know what to do in the event of an emergency, they will be able to respond quickly and effectively to any safety hazards. This will help to minimize the potential for injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
Reduce the Number of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
When workers are aware of the potential hazards in the workplace, and they know how to prevent them, the number of workplace injuries and illnesses will be reduced. This will also help improve workplace productivity as there will be less downtime due to accidents.
Improved Morale in the Workplace
When workers feel safe and comfortable in the workplace, they will be more likely to enjoy their work and be more productive. This will also help reduce workplace turnover as workers will be less likely to leave if they feel that their safety is being taken care of.
Complying with OSHA standards is not only beneficial for workers, but it’s also beneficial for employers. By complying with OSHA standards, employers can create a safer workplace for their employees and reduce the potential for workplace accidents and injuries.
OSHA Functions
OSHA has multiple functions that lead to achieving and enforcing its goal: a safe working environment for all workers. It has two main operational functions: a safety enforcer and a safety consultant.
Safety Enforcer
Most people think of the safety enforcer function when they hear “OSHA.” This part of OSHA sets and enforces the minimum standards for safety and health in the workplace. OSHA also can issue citations and fines to employers who violate these standards.
Safety Consultant
The safety consultant function provides employers with free and confidential advice on improving the safety and health of their workplace. OSHA also provides training and education programs to help employers create a safer workplace for their employees.
Both functions are important in the overall goal of OSHA: to create a safe and healthy working environment for all workers.
Create an OSHA Standards Workflow with DATAMYTE
If you want your company to comply with OSHA standards and not run into any legal trouble, you need to create a workflow to ensure all safety procedures are followed. This can be done with the help of DATAMYTE and its Digital Clipboard.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software capable of creating comprehensive workflows. With it, you can enforce OSHA standards on your operations by creating a workflow that ensures all safety procedures are followed. You can also track your employees’ progress and ensure that they follow the correct safety procedures.
With a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of tools, the DataMyte Digital Clipboard makes it easy to create a comprehensive workflow for your company. Get started today by scheduling a demo with us!
Conclusion
OSHA standards are important for employers to comply with to create a safe workplace for their employees. By following the guidelines set by OSHA, employers can reduce the potential for workplace accidents and injuries. So ensure you are up-to-date with the latest OSHA standards and create a workflow to help your company comply with them.
